A fine WordPress.com site

Menu

Category Archives: Vawk

It’s a wrap! After months of planning, another successful season of World MasterCard Fashion Week is behind us. After a restful weekend, we’re just now having a chance to take a breath and reflect on a few of the amazing moments we experienced last week. From the front of house to the backstage, the ladies of the fourth floor saw it all. Here are are a few of our highlights.

We always love when
talent comes out to support Canadian designers. One highlight was seeing the beautiful Elisha Cuthbert,who
came out to see one of our favourite designers, Sunny Fong for VAWK. A true supporter (she’s rocked VAWK on the red carpet), it’s always great to see talent supporting each other. Other fave faces spotted include Rudy Gay, Arlene Dickinson,Stacey McKenzie, Jessica Lowndes, Amanda Brugel, Carrie-Lynn Neales and Danny Fernandes.

Image credit: CityNews.ca

So many of our designers are so sweet and humble during their big moment! For us, watching
designer Travis Taddeo take a well-deserved walk down the entire studio runway
with one of his models after his show was the best. After all their hard work, the designers
should be celebrated, so we love when they poke their head out from backstage for
more than a couple of seconds.

Photo credit: George Pimentel

We love seeing what calendar regulars are up to each season, but we always love a new show or face on the runway. Seeing an absolutely filled room for the long-awaited return of Stephan
Caras’ show made us really happy. Every seat in the house was full – with 150 people standing around
the top to get a glimpse of the black and white collection. It was amazing to
see such a warm welcome for the veteran designer returning to show at WMCFW. Similar feelings seeing the outpouring of love for Izzy Camilleri with her return to the runway this season.

Photo credit: George Pimentel

We love seeing how the designers incorporate their personal inspiration in their collections. Another best fashion week moment was during the David Dixon
show – he created a powerful video and audio montage that played for a few
minutes before the models took the runway, and set the tone that women were
strong and powerful – and do not need to “know their place”. The show that
followed was similarly strong and the mood in the room was pretty incredible.
Made us feel full of girl power.

Photo credit: George Pimentel

We may all try to be fierce and stylish at fashion week, but sometimes a little humour is necessary. From our post guarding the backstage door, we had to smile as the (amazing) volunteers encircled Mackage’s black latex runway – guarding it against anyone stepping on it!

We also love a good zen ‘tude shown by a runway veteran. This season, it was a pleasure working with Soia & Kyo designer Ilan Elfassy. He was so laid back and relaxed
before his show on Thursday that we wanted to bottle up his relaxed energy. We also
wouldn’t mind having a few pieces from his collection.

Photo credit: George Pimentel

Front of house also provides some great moments: particularly the designer guest entrance doors, which are always a fun spot to stand. Chock-full of the designer’s friends and family, the line is always buzzing with excitement. This season, we had the pleasure of chatting with the lovely Ms. Chloe comme Parris – their mom – first in line to see her daughters’ show.

Photo credit: Slice.ca

In a similar vein, we love the energy of a fan of fashion experiencing the excitement of the runway for the first time. We had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know one lucky Vancouverite who won an all-expense paid trip on Facebook to World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto. She brought her friend from Calgary and the two attended all the shows from Tuesday to Friday. They were always first in line to ensure they got the best seat for every show; and watching their excitement and awe of the atmosphere (and seeing Jeanne Beker up close) was incredibly memorable.

Who doesn’t love the non-models rocking the runway during Heart Truth? Such a fun atmosphere, we love it when they show a little personality! This year’s highlight? A toss-up between beautiful 91-year-old Gladys walking the runway to a standing ovation or Jennifer Valentyne killing it with a little flash of her heart-print panties.

Seems like just moments ago that we wrapped another successful World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto, but here we are again: ready to soak in the looks that our Canadian designers have created for next fall and winter.Even though we don’t want to think about another fall now that we’re in the homestretch toward spring, there’s still something exciting about brand new ways to wear leather and fur. Plus, we’re always pumped to spot the best in spring street style at the tents.Check out (just a couple shows on) our can’t miss list for this season’s World MasterCard Fashion Week:

Izzy is a vetran who designs for the confident woman. This collection will feature sleek separates in jersey,stretch wool twill and faux leather. A neutral colour palette incorporating houndstooth and animal-print has us thinking back to the Fall 2010 IZMA collection and its richness of attitude.

The return of sisters Chloé and Parris Gordon breathes effortless, youthful cool into this season’s roster. A bit more New York than Paris, the girls’ focus on custom and hand-made elements make their wearable collection covetable.

Kimberley Newport-Mimran wowed crowds this past season with her ability to incorporate a punk edge in a collection that was ultimately soft, sensual and ladylike (in the 50’s sense!). We can’t wait to see what she comes up with for fall – and what colour palette she’ll be working with.

The Mimran’s are taking over! It’s okay, we really don’t mind. Frequently enticed by the affordable, on-trend fashions available at Joe Fresh, we want a glimpse into what Joe will have in store for us this fall. And we will be on the look out for special guests on the runway – like Pat Cleveland (pictured above).

Ilan
Elfassy,
designer of Soïa & Kyo (and sister Brand Mackage), says that this
season he has “channelled the timeless elegance and malleability of metals, such as
copper and nickel.” The Quebec-based brand is most renown for it’s winter-wear – a can’t miss given the season.

Luxury label VAWK, by Sunny Fong, pushed the boundaries last season with light-weight feminine fabrics, sharp metallics and revealing cuts. We’d be OK with another take on the awesome gold cone bra above.

Expect Travis Taddeo to own the studio this season with his signature raw, minimalist and edgy style. Known for pushing conventional expectations, we are looking forward to seeing what his unique blends of street wear and luxury will bring this year.

Established, Toronto-based designer Stephan is rejoining Toronto’s official fashion scene this season. We can’t contain our Canadian glee at the thought of seeing the master of collections that incorporate femininity and movement present on home turf.

Mike Derderian & Gianni Falcone know how to make a woman feel like a queen. Literally. The detailing on their dresses is so delicate it makes this Fourth-Floorer feel faint. Hope you’ve already RSVP’d.

We could go on. Get the full calendar here. Ladies, don your gem-toned or graphic print dresses and men lace up those brightly soled shoes – this is a season you don’t want to miss.

After weeks of wishing we were in on the action at fashion weeks in Paris, London and New York, it’s almost time for Toronto to strut its stuff. We can’t wait to see what our Canadian designers have in store this season at World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto. Here’s a look ahead at a few of the shows we’re most excited for.

We can’t help but love these sisters, who have quickly become darlings of the Toronto fashion scene. We’re still dreaming about that leather backpack from a few seasons ago. They always have something interesting to show, so we’re looking forward to seeing where they went this year.

Sunny Fong’s collection is always one of our favourites, and we’re even more excited this year as he previews VAWKKIN this season. With a slightly lower price point than VAWK, VAWKKIN is designed for the “young, professional, fashion-forward female.” Sounds like a lot of girls we know. Known for having models of all ages and sizes walking the catwalk, he always presents a fun show featuring beautiful womenswear.

Considering two of our team sport Soïa & Kyo winter coats, we can honestly say we’re majorly excited to preview the chic outerwear collection for 2012. With a line inspired by the ‘hipster urban traveller,’ we can’t wait to welcome them to the Toronto catwalk for the first time.

Who on the fourth floor have you spotted wearing this FW 2011 Soia & Kyo coat? Image source.

These three very different, but all very cool lines were part of last season’s Mercedes-Benz Start Up Competition for emerging Canadian designers. It’s going to be interesting to see what they’ve been up to over the past few months, as each shows independently for the first time.

Such a full calendar, so little space. We can’t wait to head for the tents at David Pecaut Square to see what all the designers have been working on. Check the FDCC’s official WMC Fashion Week calendar here.

Days three and four of LG Fashion Week Beauty by L’Oreal Paris were just as exhilarating as the first two. As we head towards the Fashion Week finish line, here are some of our thoughts on the past two days:

New York-based Neigum’s avant-garde designs blur the line between menswear and womenswear, featuring excellent leather pieces for both sexes. We were, however, less than enamoured by the harem-style pants he had the male models walking in. Difficult for ladies to pull off, so we’re not sure how our men will do it. But kudos for sending something different down the runway.

Instead of a traditional runway show, Marie Saint Pierre held a presentation in the Studio space. Mannequins and models mixed on a raised platform while guests circulated around the room. The intimate set-up was a welcome change and offered the opportunity to examine Saint Pierre’s collection up-close.

Korhani took to the runway for a second season to showcase their fast fashion-esque rugs. This playful show featured outfits inspired by Alice in Wonderland and the 80s. While we won’t be wearing any rugs to our next soiree, we’re excited to inject some flair into our home decor.

Kim Mimran’s latest collection is as beautiful and classic as we’ve come to expect from the celebrated designer. In an unexpected twist – Andrej Pejic, the gender-bending model du jour, walked the runway in an indigo shirtdress. Never has a boy looked so chic.

One of fashion week’s most sought-after invites, Joe Fresh S/S 2012 featured bright contrasting colours, cool whites and clean lines. We were especially impressed with the menswear; we can’t wait to see our boys strutting the streets of Toronto in some of Joe’s patterned pants and blazers.

Stevenson’s intricate textile patterns printed onto gorgeous silks (and in picture frames surrounding the models) epitomized springtime. Those walking outside by the large studio windows couldn’t help but to peer in at the latest looks from this talented designer.

Ken Chow’s Krane began with accessories (a waxed cotton and leather carryall to be exact) and has since evolved into a menswear line. While Krane’s bags are still front-and-centre for Spring/Summer 2012, his clothing offerings will surely appeal to many urban-dwellers.

From the backdrop of bathing beauties drinking champagne on a boat, to the upbeat, pop soundtrack, Bustle provided a much-needed mood-booster on the fourth night of fashion week. The clothes were equally as fun, combining crisp tailoring with coral, lavender and grey.

Perennial favourite Sunny Wong dazzled spectators at last night’s show. As usual, VAWK was infused with glamour – think metallics and sheer fabrics, paired with muted blush tones. We wouldn’t mind wearing a few of his gowns to Operanation tonight.

TIFF has officially wrapped and it’s on to the next one. Next up? LG Fashion Week, beauty by L’Oreal Paris’ SS 2012 presentations. This season is poised to be bigger and better than ever, especially with fashion week’s brand new location. The tents have moved further east, and will be held in David Pecaut Square(right next to Roy Thompson Hall and the King St. streetcars).

While we savour every show and our hearts always race before the lights and music begin in the runway room, here are some shows we’re particularly excited to see:

On opening night, we welcome LaLa Berlin, traveling from Deutschland for her inaugural show in LGFW. Carried in 60 stores worldwide and worn by celebs including Heidi Klum, Cameron Diaz and Jessica Alba, LaLa Berlin is known primarily for high-end knitwear. Watch the show on Monday, October 17 at 9:30 p.m. (by invitation only).

One of our fave’s for the past few seasons are Toronto/Halifax sister-act duo Chloe Comme Parris, comprised of Chloe and Parris Gordon. Known for their artisanal skills, such as hand-made fabrics and dyes, the line epitomizes effortlessly cool style. This show will be held in the intimate studio environment on Tuesday, October 18 at 7 p.m.

We’re also excited for VAWK‘s latest collection, created by Project Runway-alumnus Sunny Fong. Fong is best known for his handmade knits and dramatic accents. Also, we commend VAWK for their use of diverse models (read: beautiful and curvy). VAWK shows on Thursday, October 20 at 9:30 p.m.

If you want in on the action, but don’t have a media/industry/buyer pass, you can purchase a general ticket to see the show (ranging from $20 for a single show to $175 for a full day pass). For more information on purchasing tickets, student ticket group rates, or a VIP ticket package, click here or email Samantha@fdcc.ca.

To win a set of tickets to a LGFW show, tweet us! The tenth person to tweet

Last Thursday and Friday at LG Fashion Week Beauty by L’Oreal Paris, the runway and studio rooms were filled with Russian influences (think Ushanka‘s) and femininity in elegant goth and ladylike punky leather, as well as chic suits and dresses punched up with deep purple tones and lots of fur accents.

From Cydelic by Choryin‘s black teardrops to looks that Helena Bonham Carter would ogle amorously, Cydelic’s studio show was showmanship and drama in the best way.

We loved the graceful flair Sunny Fong brought to the table for Vawk. The leopard pencil skirt hit another trend seen at many shows: exposed zippers.

A great strong and and dramatic opening to Lundström. A group of models strutted down the runway with luxe black and ivory faux-Mongolian lamb coats and vests.

Not a look for everybody, but the dark, nu-goth vibe at Heather Lawton and Sid Neigum showcased black-on-black ensembles that would make Rick Owens proud.

Sid Neigum.

Heather Lawton.

One of Amanda Lew Kee‘s highlights were her Kimono-inspired jackets. The wispy sheer floral outer layer showed a soft side of the designer with a delicate Asian-inspired pattern.

And last, but definitely not least – the closing night show for Line Knitwear collection. A return to the ’70s with bell-bottom flares, burnt oranges and tie-dyed, pleated skirts had our hearts skipping a hippie beat with every outfit. ﻿ Boho-cozy.